Ezekiel 40:23 kjv
And the gate of the inner court was over against the gate toward the north, and toward the east; and he measured from gate to gate an hundred cubits.
Ezekiel 40:23 nkjv
A gate of the inner court was opposite the northern gateway, just as the eastern gateway; and he measured from gateway to gateway, one hundred cubits.
Ezekiel 40:23 niv
There was a gate to the inner court facing the north gate, just as there was on the east. He measured from one gate to the opposite one; it was a hundred cubits.
Ezekiel 40:23 esv
And opposite the gate on the north, as on the east, was a gate to the inner court. And he measured from gate to gate, a hundred cubits.
Ezekiel 40:23 nlt
Here on the north side, just as on the east, there was another gateway leading to the Temple's inner courtyard directly opposite this outer gateway. The distance between the two gateways was 175 feet.
Ezekiel 40 23 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 40:6 | "And he led me toward the gate that faces east. And behold, among the approaches to the entrance were steps, and toward the steps there were pillars of stone, and then a base on either side." | Sets the scene for Ezekiel's movement through the Temple structure. |
| Ezekiel 40:38 | "And the chambers and the doorways were there for the obelitories..." | Continues description of Temple complex, emphasizing detail and order. |
| Ezekiel 43:13 | "These are the measurements of the altar by cubits... " | Details specific measurements within the visionary Temple. |
| Exodus 28:2 | "And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty." | Establishes the significance of garments for priestly service in Israel. |
| Leviticus 8:7 | "Then he put the tunic on him, and girded him with the sash, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him, and girded him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and fastened it to him with it." | Details the consecration and clothing of Aaron as High Priest. |
| Numbers 15:38 | "Speak to the people of Israel and tell them to make fringes on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a cord of blue on the fringe of each corner." | Commands Israel to wear distinctive fringes as a reminder of God's commandments. |
| Isaiah 61:10 | "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a diadem, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." | Speaks metaphorically of spiritual covering and righteousness through God. |
| Zechariah 3:4 | "And he commanded those who stood before him, saying, 'Take off his soiled garments.' And he said to him, 'Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with rich apparel.'" | Prophetic imagery of cleansing and being clothed in righteous garments. |
| Matthew 5:16 | "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." | Connects outward actions and appearance to bringing glory to God. |
| Galatians 3:27 | "As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." | Symbolism of being clothed in Christ through faith and baptism. |
| Revelation 7:9 | "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands," | Vision of redeemed people clothed in white robes, signifying purity and victory. |
| Revelation 19:8 | "and to her it has been granted to be arrayed with fine linen, bright and pure—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints—" | Connects righteous deeds with being arrayed in fine linen, signifying righteousness. |
Ezekiel 40 verses
Ezekiel 40 23 Meaning
This verse describes a specific action taken by the prophet Ezekiel: he stands before the gate of the inner court. He is then instructed to put on his "outer garments." This is a significant directive, setting the stage for his role in relation to the vision of the restored Temple.
Ezekiel 40 23 Context
Ezekiel 40 begins a new section of the prophecy, focusing on a detailed vision of a future Temple. This vision follows a period of judgment against Israel. The detailed measurements and instructions suggest a divinely ordered restoration and re-establishment of worship. The specific placement of Ezekiel at the gate of the inner court, putting on his garments, signifies his prophetic role in presenting this divine blueprint. He is to observe and record for God's people. The cultural context would emphasize the importance of proper attire and ceremonial preparation for sacred duties and divine encounters.
Ezekiel 40 23 Word Analysis
"And": Conjunction, connecting this verse to the previous actions.
"he": Refers to the divine guide or angel who is leading Ezekiel through the vision.
"stood": Present tense, indicating Ezekiel's physical position in the vision.
"before": Indicates the location relative to the gate, a position of observance and proximity.
"the gate": Refers specifically to one of the gates leading into the inner court of the Temple complex.
"of the inner court": Specifies the particular area being approached, highlighting its sanctity.
"and": Conjunction, linking the stance to the subsequent action.
"he": Again, refers to Ezekiel.
"stood": Repeats the stance, reinforcing his fixed position.
"there": Emphasizes the location where he is standing, in front of the inner court gate.
"and": Conjunction, connecting the positioning to the next command.
"he": Refers to the divine guide instructing Ezekiel.
"put on": Imperative verb, a command to clothe himself.
"his": Possessive pronoun, indicating the garments belong to Ezekiel.
"outer garments": Specifies the type of attire. This refers to his usual, everyday clothes as opposed to the specialized garments for his prophetic mission, or potentially special garments for this prophetic task. In this visionary context, it might signify adopting a specific priestly or representative role.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "he stood before the gate of the inner court": This phrase establishes Ezekiel's privileged position to observe the most sacred area of the visionary Temple, emphasizing his role as an authorized witness.
- "and he stood there": The repetition reinforces his stationary position, indicating focus and preparation for receiving further instructions.
- "and he put on his outer garments": This command signifies Ezekiel preparing himself for his prophetic assignment. The "outer garments" are not further specified but imply a change in presentation for the divinely appointed task, preparing him to mediate this vision to the people.
Ezekiel 40 23 Bonus Section
The term "outer garments" might suggest a distinction from vestments that symbolize a deeper spiritual state or function within the vision itself. However, the focus is on a prepared readiness for his prophetic duty. This act of preparation by Ezekiel aligns with the pattern seen in Old Testament priesthood where specific clothing signified holiness and the performance of sacred duties. It highlights that prophecy, like priesthood, requires consecration and readiness for divine communication.
Ezekiel 40 23 Commentary
This verse marks a pivotal moment in Ezekiel's visionary experience. Placed at the threshold of the inner sanctuary, he is instructed to prepare himself by donning specific garments. This act symbolizes his assumption of a particular role, ready to receive and transmit the divine blueprints for a restored Temple and system of worship. The act mirrors the preparation of priests for service, indicating Ezekiel's function as a conduit for God's restored presence and covenant faithfulness, albeit in a visionary capacity. His outward appearance prepares him to be an outward representation of divine order.